“Delayed streetcars, endless congestion” FIFA fears

“Taylor Swift” scenario in which teams have to walk to the stadium

“Toronto wants to look world-class for FIFA 2026 — the reality is falling apart,” writes Jeremy Borg for the Western Standard in advance of FIFA, scheduled to begin in Toronto on June 12.

City Taxi’s Neil Shorey tells Taxi News, “Let’s hope the actual team players are staying at hotels within walking distance of the stadiums, because we are likely to end up with a ‘Taylor Swift’ situation in which they are required to walk to their games.”

Borg writes, “Toronto can barely move its current population efficiently, yet politicians expect residents to believe the city can suddenly accommodate a massive international event without chaos….the city feels permanently under construction. Major roads are clogged daily. The Gardiner Expressway resembles a parking lot for large portions of the day. Condo construction dominates the skyline while basic infrastructure repairs lag behind.

“Visitors are being promised smooth transportation between games, hotels, and fan zones. More likely, many will experience packed subway cars, delayed streetcars, and endless congestion above ground.”

While Toronto’s FIFA website explains to visitors basic hailing and payment information for ground transportation including Taxis and Uber, it does not mention that these vehicles will be parked some blocks away from the stadiums.

“A variety of taxi companies operate in Toronto, including Beck Taxi (link opens in new window), Diamond Taxi (link opens in new window), Royal Taxi and Co-Op Cabs, to name a few. Taxi fares are standard, metered and non-negotiable; your driver must start the meter at the beginning of your ride and stop it when you reach your destination. Be sure to confirm method of payment before your ride,” Toronto’s FIFA website details.

“Taxis operating in Toronto must be clearly marked and drivers must provide service to the first person who requests it, no matter how small the fare. Taxi drivers cannot refuse service to any person with a disability or a person accompanied by a service animal.

“Ride sharing services Uber and Lyft are available in the city too. If your service was acceptable, a 10 to 15 per cent tip is customary for either taxi or ride-share service.”